Golani Brigade Platoon Commander Killed in Clash with Hezbollah in South Lebanon

Captain David Hazut, 21, from Ashkelon and a platoon commander in the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion, was killed in a firefight with a Hezbollah militant near Deir Sirian in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when a Golani combat team encountered the militant, who opened fire. Hazut was killed on the spot, and another soldier was wounded and evacuated for medical treatment. Israeli forces returned fire but did not eliminate the attacker. Following the clash, the IDF conducted artillery strikes in the area to neutralize further threats.

The military is investigating the circumstances of the incident, and Hazut's family has been notified. His death adds to recent heavy losses suffered by the IDF in southern Lebanon, including the recent death of Sergeant Major (res.) Basel Sweid in a vehicle accident during operations near Raveh At-Taltin. Just days earlier, Lieutenant Colonel Dor Ben Shimon and three tank crew members were killed by a drone strike.

These casualties have intensified criticism of Israel's military strategy in Lebanon. Military correspondent Shay Levy warned that the IDF is presenting a distorted picture of strategic gains, while Hezbollah's core remains deep inside Lebanon, beyond Israeli reach. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks mediated by the United States are ongoing between Israel and Lebanon, reportedly including discussions about a potential prisoner exchange involving Hezbollah detainees and the remains of missing Israeli navigator Ron Arad. A senior U.S. official claimed Israel has withdrawn from parts of southern Lebanon, but Israeli security officials strongly denied this.

Captain David Hazut's memory will be honored across Israel. Condolences have been extended to his family and comrades in the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion.